ST JAMES, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has disclosed that St James Parish experienced widespread devastation following the onslaught of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, McKenzie highlighted the overflow of the Barnett River in Montego Bay as one of the most critical incidents, with floodwaters reaching up to 16 feet in certain areas of the city. The affected zones encompass Westgate, Catherine Hall, Howard Cooke Boulevard, Freeport, Alice Eldemire Drive, and Barnett Street. McKenzie further elaborated that several public institutions sustained significant damage. The St James Infirmary and the St James Municipal Corporation’s building were inundated, with water impacting two floors. Additionally, Jarrett Park, which had been serving as a temporary shelter for the homeless, was flooded, necessitating the relocation of its residents. The St James High School and Sangster International Airport also reported damage. The minister has been in communication with officials from neighboring parishes, including Trelawny, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St Elizabeth, where distress calls have been predominant.
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WATCH: Manchester, St Elizabeth residents picking up the pieces
Residents of Manchester and St Elizabeth awoke early Wednesday to assess the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The storm left a chaotic scene of debris, uprooted trees, and downed powerlines strewn across roadways. Despite the destruction, locals were already mobilizing to clear paths for vehicles. Significant flooding was evident, with some roads still submerged, leaving certain areas in St Elizabeth completely cut off. In the Wilton community near Santa Cruz, one resident recounted having to swim to reach the main road. Cornell Williams, another local, described the hurricane as ‘the worst storm I’ve ever seen, worse than Gilbert,’ after losing his roof and seeing his belongings submerged. The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left communities grappling with the extensive damage and the daunting task of recovery.
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UK deploys J$510m in hurricane relief to the Caribbean
The United Kingdom has announced a £2.5 million emergency humanitarian fund to aid the Caribbean region in recovering from the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Melissa. This substantial financial support is aimed at facilitating a swift humanitarian response, including the distribution of essential emergency supplies such as shelter kits, water filters, and blankets to mitigate the risks of injuries and disease outbreaks. These supplies have been strategically pre-positioned in Antigua for rapid deployment to the most affected areas. Additionally, UK humanitarian and technical experts are being dispatched to the region to assist in the coordination and efficient delivery of aid. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting Jamaican authorities in disaster relief efforts, highlighting the deployment of specialist teams to provide consular assistance to British nationals affected by the hurricane. British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert OBE, expressed deep sorrow over the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and reaffirmed the UK’s solidarity with Jamaica, pledging continued support for relief and rebuilding efforts. The Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is also stationed in the region to offer disaster response support if needed, while a pre-deployed team from the UK Ministry of Defence is assisting in disaster management preparations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Furthermore, a specialist Rapid Deployment Team from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has been sent to Miami to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals. The UK is collaborating with tour operators, Jamaican authorities, and international partners, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and UN agencies, to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations in the affected areas.
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Neighbours help Tobago family after gas tank explodes
A potentially catastrophic incident unfolded in Bon Accord, Tobago, on October 26, when a defective LPG gas tank caused an explosion at the home of Tamecia Cox. The explosion occurred during the bustling carnival celebrations in Scarborough, but thanks to the quick actions of Cox’s family and the solidarity of her neighbors, disaster was averted. Cox, visibly relieved, recounted the harrowing experience in an interview on October 28. She and her family were in their kitchen on Gaskin Bay Road when the explosion ignited a sudden blaze. Fortunately, the house was equipped with two fire extinguishers, which her children knew how to use, slowing the fire’s spread. Cox emphasized the importance of community support, stating, ‘It pays to live good with people. Everybody in the community came out to help.’ Her daughter sustained minor burns, but the family emerged otherwise unharmed. Devon Thomas, a neighbor, was particularly praised for risking his life to remove the gas tank from the house. Cox also expressed gratitude to the Crown Point Fire Station and Police Station for their swift response. Tobago East MP David Thomas, a retired Assistant Chief Fire Officer, urged homeowners and businesses to exercise caution with gas cylinders, recalling a similar fatal incident four years ago. He explained that while gas tanks rarely explode, leaks can create highly volatile environments, especially when combined with flammable materials. Thomas stressed the importance of regular maintenance and vigilance to prevent such tragedies.
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OUR grants US$5 million from Electricity Disaster Fund to JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has authorized an immediate allocation of US$5 million from the Electricity Disaster Fund (EDF) to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS). This funding aims to accelerate the mobilization of critical resources necessary for power restoration across the island. JPS has already initiated extensive measures, including the deployment of over 60 linemen from the eastern Caribbean and North America, alongside the strategic positioning of personnel, equipment, and inventory in key locations to ensure swift restoration efforts. The electricity provider is mandated to submit a comprehensive report detailing the expenditure of the allocated funds. Additionally, JPS has pledged to engage independent assessors to expedite damage evaluations and streamline the claims process, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recovery operations.
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#EyeOnMelissa: No fatalities reported as yet — McKenzie
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has confirmed that no fatalities have been reported in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck the island’s southwest coast on Tuesday. Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, McKenzie emphasized that authorities have not received any reports of deaths linked to the hurricane. ‘We are not in a position to speak about any deaths because we have not had any reports of any deaths so far, so we cannot presume that there are deaths,’ he stated. McKenzie expressed hope that the situation remains unchanged, adding, ‘I am hoping there are no deaths to report on.’ The hurricane, one of the most powerful to hit Jamaica in recent years, caused significant damage to infrastructure and property, but the absence of reported fatalities has been a rare positive note in the wake of the disaster. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and provide relief to affected communities.
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‘No need to kill’: Port Royal fisherfolk concerned over US attacks in Caribbean Sea
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid the chaos of Hurricane Melissa’s landfall on Tuesday, the focus of Fishing Boat Captain Herbert Dowie from the coastal town of Port Royal was not on the storm, but on the controversial actions of US military forces in the Caribbean Sea. Dowie expressed deep concern over reports that US boats have attacked and killed dozens of individuals, allegedly suspected of drug trafficking. However, fears persist that innocent fishermen and others may have been tragically caught in the crossfire. The US government has defended its actions, claiming the targeted boats were transporting narcotics. Yet, Dowie and other locals view these operations as unlawful and reckless. “They shouldn’t be shooting down any vessel,” Dowie asserted, questioning why the US forces couldn’t use non-lethal methods to intercept and inspect the boats. Roy Brown, another Port Royal resident, echoed Dowie’s sentiments, accusing the US of exploiting its power in the region. Brown drew parallels between US President Trump and Russian President Putin, stating, “They are the same thing.” Over the past few months, US forces have reportedly killed at least 57 people in strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. These actions have sparked widespread condemnation both regionally and within the US, with lawmakers from both major political parties questioning the president’s authority to order such strikes.
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‘Homelessness on rise’ warns activist Gibson
The Bahamas is witnessing a surge in homelessness and evictions, as reported by Khandi Gibson, President of Families of All Murdered Victims (FOAM). Gibson highlighted that many residents are still grappling with the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, struggling to meet basic needs such as food and shelter. The Department of Social Services has attributed this crisis to landlords abruptly increasing rents, leaving tenants unable to cope. Gibson revealed that she receives an average of ten daily pleas for assistance, often from employed individuals who still cannot afford rent or groceries. Among these are harrowing stories, such as a father of two living in a car for three months despite working full-time, and a mother of three sending her children to school without food. A 17-year-old single mother also shared her plight of paying $70 daily for an Airbnb while caring for her infant. Gibson emphasized that these cases are becoming alarmingly common, with many families unable to recover from the pandemic’s impact. She called for collective action, urging communities to support one another to prevent further despair and rising suicide rates. ‘This is not natural. This is not common,’ she pleaded, ‘I am begging all of us to reach out or just help.’
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SpaceX and US partners help with Bahamas evacuations
In a coordinated effort to mitigate the impact of Hurricane Melissa, SpaceX has partnered with US and Bahamian organizations to evacuate more than 1,400 residents from the Southeast Bahamas. The hurricane, which has weakened from Category 5 to Category 4, has already caused significant devastation in western Jamaica, resulting in at least seven fatalities and widespread destruction. Flights operated yesterday transported evacuees from Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island to the safer location of New Providence. US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish emphasized the United States’ unwavering support for The Bahamas, particularly during crises, and commended SpaceX, the Love and Light Foundation, and other partners for their rapid response. Matt Wideman, founder of the Love and Light Foundation, highlighted the collaborative efforts of SpaceX, Christian airline Judah 1, the Bahamian government, and the US Embassy in organizing the evacuation. SpaceX initially provided logistical support, while Judah 1 secured a 150-seat MD-83 aircraft, and the Bahamian government deployed its own resources. Wideman praised the government’s swift action, underscoring its dedication to safeguarding lives. Judah 1, known for its disaster relief missions, contributed three aircraft and partnered with the government to share operational costs. Meanwhile, SpaceX has pledged 30 days of free Starlink service to ensure uninterrupted communication in affected areas. The company’s involvement follows a landmark agreement with The Bahamas earlier this year, allowing Falcon 9 rocket boosters to land off the Exumas. As the region braces for further impacts, post-storm relief efforts are already underway, with plans to deliver Starlink units and power supplies to Jamaica.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Flash flood watch in effect for several parishes
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Services of Jamaica has issued a Flash Flood Watch for northern, southwestern, and south-central parishes, warning that additional rainfall could exacerbate localized flooding and landslides, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. This alert comes despite the discontinuation of the tropical storm warning previously in effect for the island.